Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 21

Thread: I have to ask

  1. #1
    Real Retriever alixb's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Location
    Vancouver B.C.
    Posts
    337
    Thanked: 178

    I have to ask

    Hi again: How do I know when he is coming to the end of his life? I know things have been slowing down a lot lately, but it has been very hot so I don't know if it's the heat. He doesn't want to leave the house too much. Doesn't want to get in the car. Eating is OK. Mostly at night he will eat a pretty big dinner. He will eat treats. He pees, poops but not every day. It's firm. He has no chronic illness other than arthritis.
    I just don't know what I am looking for. He is happy when he is around people. he is more motivated if other dogs are around.
    I know none of us knows. I am supposed to go away over night next weekend, he is invited but I think it might be too much & I don't want o leave him.
    HELP
    -maxxie-barry-jpg

  2. #2
    Senior Dog Bamps's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    AZ
    Posts
    1,860
    Thanked: 1183
    I am not a vet, I can't tell you what's going on with your fir kid. I can tell you about my dog Stupid in his last days. He slowed, he slowed more, his food was left in his bowl and he ate less and less. He began losing mobility in his hind legs as he became more and more arthritic. Just before the end he lost control of body functions. He was suffering severely so we decided with the vet to put him down after the holidays. He didn't make it and we took him in to be put down on Christmas Eve a few yrs ago. It's heart breaking, we still miss him terribly. Stupid was an awesome dog.

  3. #3
    House Broken dynamicgang's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Pa
    Posts
    69
    Thanked: 23
    My Lab could hardly get up anymore. We had to carry him outside. He was pooping as he was walking too. He was 14.5 years old.

    The ones with cancer just totally stopped eating. Also the one started having diarrhea all the time - in the house. She had lymphoma.


    The Dynamic Gang

  4. #4
    Real Retriever fidgetyknees's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    349
    Thanked: 103
    I haven't been there yet, but I would say if your dog is happy, is eating and any kind of pain is under control then time is not up yet. As for mobility and peeing and pooping I do believe there are strap harnesses you can use to help them move about ... again not sure as I haven't been there yet.

    Too me being happy is number 1.

  5. The Following User Says Thank You to fidgetyknees For This Useful Post:

    Charlotte K. (08-13-2014)

  6. #5
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Illinois
    Posts
    10,985
    Thanked: 6722
    #1 is quality of life. Here's a link to a list: Quality of Life Checklist

    Hot weather really takes a toll on the seniors. Mardi only goes out when she has to go on the really hot days.

    We home seniors so the time comes all too soon. Don't know how to tell you, but each and every one made it very clear that life had become too difficult. With Bandit he was fine in the morning but by evening he let me know. You sound like you are very in tune with your pup, you will know. From the signs you are describing now, life may have slowed down but it's still a good life. Have an open discussion with your vet; he should be able to give you more detailed information about what to look for.

    Bless your senior. They are the best of the best.

  7. The Following User Says Thank You to POPTOP For This Useful Post:

    holly10 (09-06-2014)

  8. #6
    Senior Dog Charlotte K.'s Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    somewhere out there
    Posts
    938
    Thanked: 581
    Quote Originally Posted by Alix B View Post
    Hi again: How do I know when he is coming to the end of his life? I know things have been slowing down a lot lately, but it has been very hot so I don't know if it's the heat. He doesn't want to leave the house too much. Doesn't want to get in the car. Eating is OK. Mostly at night he will eat a pretty big dinner. He will eat treats. He pees, poops but not every day. It's firm. He has no chronic illness other than arthritis.
    I just don't know what I am looking for. He is happy when he is around people. he is more motivated if other dogs are around.
    I know none of us knows. I am supposed to go away over night next weekend, he is invited but I think it might be too much & I don't want o leave him.
    HELP
    -maxxie-barry-jpg
    Is there a trusted friend or pet sitter who can come in and take care of him? You can even hire someone to stay overnight. I think that would be less stressful for you both, perhaps, than taking him. He just sounds old, not dying. Granted, that can change in a day. Or a month. Or a year.

  9. The Following User Says Thank You to Charlotte K. For This Useful Post:

    Annette47 (08-15-2014)

  10. #7
    Best Friend Retriever LucyTudeOn4Feet's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Tampa Bay
    Posts
    538
    Thanked: 332
    We routinely turn down invites and evenings out because we don't want to leave our 12 yr old alone, so I know how you feel about going away overnight.

  11. #8
    Puppy DuryLane's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Location
    Canada, eh!
    Posts
    38
    Thanked: 17
    For me, it's all about pain. When my dog looks like they are suffering, are in too much pain, or their life is more pain than comfort, then I know it's time to let them cross over the rainbow bridge.

    You know your dog.....you know how he behaves when he is feeling good or comfortable. You also know when he is not feeling well. The degree of discomfort he will endure may be left to you to determine when he is suffering too much. Only you can make that decision. Keep in mind, he is the one that is feeling the pain....what would you want if you were him?

    It's tough, it's hardbreaking and it's extremely difficult. I know, having had to make that decision back in May for my 16 year old.

  12. The Following User Says Thank You to DuryLane For This Useful Post:

    Charlotte K. (08-14-2014)

  13. #9
    Senior Dog
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Upstate New York
    Posts
    1,683
    Thanked: 787
    15 years old! God bless him... (Can I ask..what are you feeding him...lol!)

    I agree...it is all about the quality of life. The heat can certainly take a toll on seniors...I would most definitely keep him cool and out of the heat.

    As long as he is eating good and is happy...I would just let him be. You will know when it is time...

    I certainly understand why you don't want to leave him...it is hard to do when they are seniors.

    But he looks great for his age...enjoy every minute with him.

  14. #10
    Senior Dog Berna's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Belgrade, Serbia
    Posts
    4,081
    Thanked: 4633
    Judging from your recent posts and your questions, I believe you are obsessing over it. It's not good for you, it's not good for him. He feels your worries.

    Try not to overthink and ruminate about it. Take it easy, take it slow - one day at a time. Treasure and enjoy every moment. It's hard to see them get old, especially when we have spent so many years together. But it's how things should be. You can't change them with worrying.

    I understand that you don't want to leave him, but I guess he is staying with family, so I am sure he will be fine.


    As for the question about when it's time - only you will know. Go with your gut feeling.
    Cookie Black Snowflake
    July 12th, 2006. - May 25th, 2023.

    Hidden Content

    Hidden Content

    Hidden Content
    Hidden Content | Hidden Content | Hidden Content | Hidden Content

 



Not a Member of the Labrador Retriever Chat Forums Yet?
Register for Free and Share Your Labrador Retriever Photos

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •